What are some of the things you want your child to learn through play? Many – if not most – parents want for their children’s toys to encourage healthy mental development and motor skills. But many modern toys “spoon feed” entertainment to children without enhancing their individual skills. Rather than encourage creativity, many toys today aim only to entertain, and in a particular way. Here are some problems with today’s toys.
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Are you concerned about the amount of energy you use in and around your home? Here are some tips for turning your home into a low-energy one.
Do a home energy audit
Go through your home and note the type and location of insulation, the state of the weather stripping on windows and doors, lighting, and so forth. As you do your audit, keep the following tips in mind. Read the rest of this entry
The home water heater can be a significant draw on your household energy use. Many homeowners are beginning to look into water heaters that are more energy efficient. There are more varieties to choose from than ever before. Here are some of the things to keep in mind in selecting a new, efficient water heater.
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In various times, places, and cultures, the “green” roof was the norm. People lived in earthen homes that were sometimes dug out of hillsides or creek banks, and the native grasses and wildflowers grew naturally on top. Other homes had sod or thatched grass roofs. Modern people are discovering the merits of this kind of roofing. If you are planning to install a green roof, here are some things to consider and keep in mind.
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Are you looking into replacing your roof? If you go with a regular asphalt shingle roof, you will be doing the same thing in a decade or so. Also, asphalt roofs may leach chemicals into rainwater, which are then carried in the storm run-off and into the creeks and streams. There are several eco-conscious roofing options available these days. Here are some of them.
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